6 steps to successful EMR Integration

How do you start converting paper documents to electronic ones? What should you do with your paper records after you’re done digitizing?

You’ve invested countless hours assessing your practice’s readiness for EMR adoption, and have decided to take the plunge into the world of digital systems. If this sounds overwhelming, we’ve compiled a list of the top 6 tips to help your EMR integration to new clinic management software go smoothly.

Choose the right EMR system

The first step in your EMR journey involves selecting the right system. Be sure to select a user friendly clinic management software that can be customized to fit your practice. MDware is the ideal EMR integration partner to guide you through the conversion process from your current system. We focus on the best ways to ensure a smooth transition, the best practice solutions,optimum access to patient records and significant ROI.

Make a great plan

Every successful EMR transition starts with the right questions. Is this clinic management software easy to use? How does it maintain better security for my practice? Will it transfer easily patient’s data and connect with other systems? Does it comply with HIPAA compliant? Ask you can see, there are many questions that you will need to ask of your EMR vendor.

To develop your implementation strategy, we highly recommend taking the time to conduct a workflow analysis of your billing, clinical and administrative processes. Using this information in your analysis can make a significant difference in how you successfully implement EMR. You should do your best to develop a clear, comprehensive EMR integration plan before the installation process begins.

Designate a final decision maker

Make sure to assign a tech-savvy project manager to serve as a knowledge source for the rest of the organization. This person will be instrumental to teach employees how to navigate the clinic management software, make strategic decisions, and ultimately drive actions that support EMR integration. Taking this approach will cut down on learning time, eliminate confusion and get staff up to speed on the EMR more quickly.

Document your existing data

While converting paper records to electronic medical records can make paper obsolete, you can also convert only essential information (patient medical history, medication , latest lab tests, and so on). EMR integration should simplify these processes, and make the delivery of care much more efficient and effective than before. Over time, your staff and physicians become less reliant on paper files, as all data will be found in the clinic management software.

Take the time to fully transition

Aside from making sure the clinic management software meets your unique business needs, you need to set a realistic timeline for how long EMR integration will take. On average, providers can expect anywhere from 6 – 9 months to complete the process. Some health care organizations may take less time and others more; it all depends on preparation and planning. Take it one day at a time.                                                                                                           

Schedule EMR training from your vendor

If you have absolutely zero exposure to using sophisticated EMR software, it makes smart business sense to hire an expert to guide you through the entire process. It is imperative to get as much on-site training as possible for your users. Take advantage of these meetings to learn the best practices to grow your EMR to its full potential. Before going live, double check the system for its consistency. Address any mistakes or software bugs that you experience right on the spot; otherwise it will lead to bigger problems down the road.

Continually adjust the workflow when necessary and understand any modification to the clinic management software you may need moving forward. Make sure to keep staff moral up and engage everyone at your organization.

Final Thoughts

EMR integration can bring a host of challenges. But with the right level of commitment, proactive planning, and tailored training support, you will successfully lead your medical practice into this next generation of documentation. Whether you are a busy doctor or med spa owner, having the right approach allow you to focus on what matters most: providing quality patient care. When your practice is ready to take the next step, our team of experts at MDware Software will help you every step of the way!

What are your strategies to drive successful results in EMR implementation?

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